Residents raise concern over open burning of waste in Coimbatore

Residents in Coimbatore concerned about burning garden waste and garbage, leading to health issues and pollution, prompting stricter waste management.

In several parts of Coimbatore city, residents have raised concerns over the practice of setting fire to dry leaves, branches, and other waste dumped on vacant plots and at street corners. The burning is allegedly carried out by the public and, at times, by conservancy workers when garbage remains uncollected for days.

S. Ramanathan of Kovaipudur said, “Littering by people is common. Garden waste such as branches, leaves, dried grass, and plant debris is often set on fire when garbage is not cleared for a week due to delays.” He added that the smoke from such fires caused health problems and suffocation.

A resident from Thudiyalur said that not just garden waste, even garbage dumped on vacant plots was set on fire. “Waste is often left uncleared for days. This includes plastics and packaging materials. Burning them releases toxic substances like dioxins and furans, which are harmful when inhaled over time,” the resident said.

A sanitary official from the civic body said that during summer, waste dumped on vacant plots containing glass items could catch fire due to intense sunlight. “Sometimes, external fire sources are also thrown into these areas. We are regularly clearing such dumped waste wherever it is found,” the official said.

Assistant City Health Officer K. Boopathi said additional vehicles had been deployed in each zone to collect garden waste daily, especially after tree falls increased due to recent rain. “We have three shredding machines, and the processed waste is transported to the Vellalore dump yard. Sanitary workers have been instructed not to burn waste. Fines will be imposed on individuals who set fire to waste, in accordance with solid waste management rules,” he said.